The NBA couldn't have asked for much more on-court excitement during the first round of the playoffs.

Six of the eight series will go six or more games, with each providing compelling theater. One No. 8 seed is on the verge of advancing and the other is threatening to do so. Road teams are enjoying unprecedented success. The Rockets and Trail Blazers have played three overtime games ... and rank second in that category, because the Thunder and Grizzlieshave played a record-tying four. And on and on.

Vince Carter

The Thunder have been four-point-play-happy in the first round, including one from Russell Westbrook that knotted Game 3 in the closing seconds. The most outrageous, though, came from Durant. The scoring champion's fading three and free throw helped the Thunder force -- what else? -- overtime in Game 2 against Memphis (which held off Oklahoma City 111-105).